Civic space and human rights defenders

Civic space enables civil society to participate in political, economic and social life. It allows individuals and groups to contribute to policy-making by accessing information, engaging in dialogue, expressing dissent and organizing collectively. An open and pluralistic civic space—grounded in freedoms of expression, opinion, assembly and association—is essential for the enjoyment of all other human rights, and to achieve sustainable development and peace.

Yet, it is under growing pressure globally and regionally. Repressive laws and policies increasingly restrict participation and fundamental freedoms. While digital technologies have expanded opportunities for civic engagement, they are also used to justify greater control over civil society and media, often on security grounds. Civil society actors, including those engaging with the UN, face mounting risks. Online and offline attacks on human rights defenders (HRDs)—such as journalists and environmental activists—are intensifying.

UN Human Rights works to protect civic space and enhance participation by supporting improvements at country level, strengthening protection practices and networks, raising the visibility of human rights defenders, monitoring civic space trends, and mainstreaming civic space across UN policies and operations, building among others on the commitments outlined in the UN Secretary-General’s Call to Action for Human Rights.